How to Choose the Right Olive Oil - Alexis Muñoz

How to Choose a High-Quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil

With so many olive oils available today, it is not always easy to recognize a truly high-quality extra virgin olive oil.

Country of origin is important, but it is only one part of the story. Exceptional olive oil is the result of careful decisions made at every stage of production.

At 18:1, we believe four essential criteria define the quality of an olive oil:

• the olive variety;
• the ripeness of the olives at harvest;
• the producer's expertise;
• the packaging that preserves its quality.

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1. Olive Variety: Every Olive Has Its Own Character

Just as grape varieties shape the flavor of wine, olive varieties define the personality of an olive oil.

Our 18:1 olive oils are monovarietal, meaning each oil is made from a single olive variety to fully express its unique aromatic profile.

Picual

Harvested early in the season, Picual offers fresh vegetal aromas with notes of tomato leaf and herbs. It is a bold olive oil, perfect for those who appreciate character.

Arbequina

Smooth and delicate, Arbequina reveals aromas of green apple, almond, and hazelnut. It pairs beautifully with vegetables, fish, and even desserts.

Cornicabra

Harvested at full maturity, Cornicabra develops notes of black olives, dried fruits, and a long, elegant finish.

Each variety has its own unique aromatic profile. There is no single "best" olive oil—only the one that best suits your taste.

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2. Ripeness: Harvest Timing Changes Everything

The harvest date has a major influence on an olive oil's flavor.

Early-harvest olives generally produce oils that are:

• more herbaceous;
• fresher;
• more intense;
• naturally richer in polyphenols.

As olives ripen, their aromas evolve toward softer, rounder, and fruitier notes.

At 18:1, every harvest is carefully timed to achieve the precise aromatic profile we are looking for.

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3. The Producer: Expertise Makes All the Difference

Outstanding olive oil begins with the work of an experienced producer.

Quality depends on several key factors:

• harvesting at the ideal moment;
• Milling the olives quickly after harvest;
• cold extraction;
• temperature-controlled stainless steel storage.

These practices preserve the oil's natural aromas, antioxidants, and exceptional freshness.

Alexis Muñoz produces every olive oil according to these standards to faithfully express the full potential of each variety.

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4. Packaging: An Often Overlooked Criterion

Even the finest olive oil can quickly lose its quality if it is not properly protected.

Light is one of the greatest enemies of extra virgin olive oil.

That is why our oils are packaged in 100% recyclable metal tins (0% aluminium), offering several advantages:

• protection from light;
• better preservation of aromas;
• reduced oxidation;
• longer-lasting freshness;
• durable and fully recyclable packaging.

The packaging plays a vital role in preserving the oil's quality right up to the moment it reaches your kitchen.

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An Olive Oil That Matches Your Taste

Choosing an olive oil is above all about finding one that suits your taste and your way of cooking.

Every 18:1 olive oil is the result of a meticulous selection of olive variety, harvest timing, and expert craftsmanship, all protected by packaging designed to preserve its quality over time.

Because truly exceptional olive oil is never left to chance.

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Discover Our Monovarietal Olive Oils

Whether you prefer the vibrant freshness of Picual, the delicate sweetness of Arbequina, or the richer, more intense character of Cornicabra, each olive oil tells a different story.

Explore our collection of organic extra virgin olive oils and discover the monovarietal olive oil that best complements your cooking.